There were 9 other bishops present, including our Passionist, Archbishop Washington Cruz.

About 80 priests and deacons concelebrated the Mass, many being Passionists from the Province of Calvary (CALV) and from the 3 Vicariates (VICT, DOMIN & LIBER). Our Passionist Family (religious and laity) were joined by religious from other Congregations, including a representative delegation from the Diocese of Pemba in Mozambique. Members of Luis Fernando’s family and parishioners were involved in parts of the Mass with the presentation of the ring, mitre and crozier, and the procession of gifts.

A moving moment was the procession of the statue of the Virgin of Aparecida after communion asking her prayer and protection for Bishop Luis Fernando as he assumes his new role as Chief Shepherd in Pemba. Our Lady of Aparecida is deeply loved and venerated by all Brazilians.

The entire congregation burst into thunderous applause at various moments during the ceremony, showing their delight and support for Bishop Luis Fernando who is much loved by the people (young & old) for his pastoral care, especially to the poor and needy. His chosen motto is: “Evangelizare Pauperibus Misit” (“To Evangelize the Poor”).

On behalf of the Passionist Congregation, the Superior General: Fr Joachim Rego spoke the following words to Bishop Luis Fernando:

“My dear brother, Bishop Luis Fernando, It is with great joy and pride that I represent our beloved Congregation of the Passion and bring the congratulations, best wishes and prayers of your Passionist brothers as you are ordained today as Bishop. I believe that the Holy Father, Pope Francis made a good choice when he appointed you to be the Chief Pastor and Shepherd of the Diocese of Pemba. He chose a man with a HEART – a heart for God and a heart for the people. You bring a heart which has been formed over many years before the foot of the Cross and nourished by the spirituality flowing from the Passion of Jesus. It is with a heart filled with love and compassion that you will lead and guide the people of Pemba to Christ – the Good Shepherd. Today, you are not a loss to the Congregation, because you will always be a Passionist. But you are a gain to the Church, especially the church of Pemba which calls you to lead and guide them. Be assured, Bishop, of the love, support and prayers of all your brothers and sisters in the Passionist Congregation. May God bless you!”

Bishop Luis Fernando will be officially installed in the Diocese of Pemba on 14th September 2013 – the feast of the Triumph of the Cross.

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The Congregation of the Passion of Jesus Christ or the “Passionists” is a Catholic Religious Order of Pontifical Right. The Passionist family is composed of priests, brothers, nuns, sisters and laity who proclaim God’s love for the world revealed through the Passion of Jesus Christ. It was founded by St. Paul of the Cross in Italy in 1720. Today, Passionist men and women carry a message of compassion and hope to 61 countries throughout the world.